South Korean tyremaker NEXEN TIRE has established a dedicated winter tyre testing center at UTAC’s proving ground in Ivalo, Finland, to strengthen its winter tyre research capabilities.

The new facility, located 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, features research and development offices, workshops, and snow and ice tracks spanning an area equivalent to 20 football fields, with test tracks approximately 2,000 metres in length.

The centre will extend NEXEN’s winter tyre testing period from one month to four months annually, allowing for more thorough tyre performance testing in extreme winter conditions.

“As winter tire standards continue to strengthen, this investment is a crucial step to secure our technological competitiveness,” said Travis Kang, Global CEO of NEXEN TIRE. “The testing centre will not only reduce our development periods but also enhance the performance of our winter tyres through core technology research, reinforcing our presence in key markets while laying the groundwork for future growth in global markets."

The facility will conduct tests for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, the European standard for winter tyres. This could potentially bolster NEXEN’s position in the European market.

UTAC, Europe’s leading automotive testing company, will oversee the construction and operation of the centre, which is expected to begin entire operations in December 2025.

“We are delighted to welcome NEXEN TIRE to have their own establishment at our Finnish proving ground,” said Connor McCormack, CEO of UTAC. “We have a long-lasting partnership now, and we are proud to support the development work of NEXEN TIRE and their participation in leading mobility towards a safer future.”

NEXEN TIRE also operates winter testing facilities in Taebaek, South Korea, and Wanaka, New Zealand, allowing year-round testing under various winter conditions.

The company supplies its winter tyre model, "WINGUARD SPORT 2," as original equipment to premium vehicle brands.

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CEAT, the Indian tyre manufacturer, has appointed Rahul Gama as Senior Vice-President of Human Resources with immediate effect.

Gama brings 28 years of global human resources experience spanning Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas and the Indian subcontinent. His career has covered the consumer goods, chemicals, agriculture, retail and services sectors.

He previously served as Chief Human Resources Officer at Pidilite Industries and Global CHRO at Godrej Consumer Products, where he led workforce transformation, international expansion and acquisition integration across multiple geographies.

Earlier roles at Godrej Agrovet, Godrej Chemicals, Marico and Arvind International involved human resources transformation, talent development, productivity improvement and industrial relations.

Gama holds a master's degree in personnel management and a bachelor of commerce in economics.

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Apollo Tyres has formally adopted the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a United Nations-led framework promoting gender equality. This step underscores the company's dedication to fostering inclusion within its operations, supply chain and surrounding communities. Internally, this commitment is translating into measurable progress, with permanent female employee representation reaching 11.6 percent this fiscal year, moving towards a goal of 12 percent by FY26 as part of its broader DE&I strategy.

The company's efforts extend beyond its own workforce into wider societal engagement. Through programmes like Project NAVYA, which supports rural women’s livelihoods, and its EK NAAM campaign honouring female leaders, Apollo Tyres actively creates opportunities. In conjunction with International Women’s Day 2026, the forthcoming seventh edition of EK NAAM will spotlight eight exceptional women. By aligning with these global principles, Apollo Tyres aims to help drive a more equitable and sustainable future for all, urging other organisations to participate in this collective movement.

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Iochpe-Maxion, a global leader in automotive wheel production and a prominent manufacturer of automotive structural components across the Americas, has been distinguished as a top performer in environmental action by CDP. The organisation’s annual assessment placed the company on its prestigious Corporate ‘A’ List for 2025, reflecting exemplary transparency and climate leadership. This accolade is based on Iochpe-Maxion’s robust transition strategy and verified data disclosure.

CDP’s system, the sole global platform for independent environmental reporting, evaluated thousands of organisations this year. Out of more than 20,000 scored companies, a mere four percent earned an ‘A’ rating. This achievement signals Iochpe-Maxion’s advanced governance and substantial strides in building environmental resilience, positioning it among the world’s leading corporations in climate stewardship.

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Continental has launched the new IceContact 8 studded tyre for control and safety on ice, snow and slush Designed for severe winter driving, the tyre is aimed at a wide variety of vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs and hybrids, whether electric or conventionally powered, and comes in sizes ranging from 15 to 22 inches. This tyre builds upon the proven legacy of its predecessor, the VikingContact 8, to offer lasting winter performance.

At the core of its design is an innovative twin-stud system. This technology utilises two distinct stud types that work in concert: one is optimised for acceleration and secure braking by biting into the surface, while the other enhances dynamic handling and cornering stability. These studs are strategically distributed across the tread for maximum grip. To bolster durability and performance, the studs are set within larger, deeper tread blocks. This creates a more stable foundation that minimises stud movement and loss, contributing to a longer tyre life. Further enhancing resilience, a specialised chemical bond fuses each stud to the rubber, reducing gaps that could trap debris and compromise the tyre's structure over time.

The tread design itself incorporates an optimised sipe layout for stronger grip and stable handling. A specially formulated compound, featuring a new highly flexible polymer and a softener system, ensures the rubber remains pliable and effective even in extreme cold. This balance of a robust V-shape tread pattern, advanced stud bonding and a cold-adaptive compound guarantees reliable traction and safety throughout the tyre's entire service life. The IceContact 8 is scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2026, making it available for the following winter season.

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